Textbook Question
The α chain of eukaryotic hemoglobin is composed of 141 amino acids. What is the minimum number of nucleotides in an mRNA coding for this polypeptide chain?
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Ch. 14 - Translation and Proteins
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Introduction to Genetics17
- Ch. 2 - Mitosis and Meiosis36
- Ch. 3 - Mendelian Genetics51
- Ch. 4 - Extensions of Mendelian Genetics74
- Ch. 5 - Chromosome Mapping in Eukaryotes51
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages46
- Ch. 7 - Sex Determination and Sex Chromosomes33
- Ch. 8 - Chromosome Mutations: Variation in Number and Arrangement40
- Ch. 9 - Extranuclear Inheritance31
- Ch. 10 - DNA Structure and Analysis43
- Ch. 11 - DNA Replication and Recombination44
- Ch. 12 - DNA Organization in Chromosomes30
- Ch. 13 - The Genetic Code and Transcription54
- Ch. 14 - Translation and Proteins47
- Ch. 15 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition41
- Ch. 16 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria29
- Ch. 17 - Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes41
- Ch. 18 - Post-transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes33
- Ch. 19 - Epigenetics33
- Ch. 20 - Recombinant DNA Technology44
- Ch. 21 - Genomic Analysis36
- Ch. 22 - Applications of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology36
- Ch. 23 - Developmental Genetics37
- Ch. 24 - Cancer Genetics34
- Ch. 25 - Quantitative Genetics and Multifactorial Traits54
- Ch. 26 - Population and Evolutionary Genetics45
Chapter 14, Problem 9
To carry out its role, each transfer RNA requires at least four specific recognition sites that must be inherent in its tertiary structure. What are they?
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Understand that transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules have a specific three-dimensional (tertiary) structure essential for their function in translation.
Recall that tRNA must be recognized by several molecules during protein synthesis, which requires specific recognition sites on the tRNA.
Identify the four key recognition sites on tRNA: the amino acid attachment site (3' CCA end), the anticodon loop, the D loop, and the TΨC loop.
Explain the role of each site: the amino acid attachment site binds the correct amino acid; the anticodon loop pairs with the mRNA codon; the D loop and TΨC loop contribute to proper folding and recognition by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and ribosomes.
Summarize that these four sites are essential for the tRNA to be correctly charged with an amino acid and to interact properly with the ribosome and mRNA during translation.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
tRNA Structure and Function
Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a small RNA molecule that delivers specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Its tertiary structure is a folded three-dimensional shape essential for its function, allowing it to interact accurately with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, ribosomes, and mRNA.
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Functional Genomics
Recognition Sites on tRNA
tRNA molecules have specific recognition sites that enable correct amino acid attachment and interaction with the translation machinery. These include the acceptor stem for amino acid attachment, the anticodon loop for mRNA codon recognition, and other structural features that ensure proper enzyme and ribosome binding.
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Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Specificity
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are enzymes that charge tRNAs with their corresponding amino acids. They recognize tRNAs through multiple identity elements or recognition sites on the tRNA, ensuring high fidelity in protein synthesis by matching the correct amino acid to its tRNA.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Assuming that each nucleotide in an mRNA is 0.34 nm long, how many triplet codes can simultaneously occupy the space in a ribosome that is 20 nm in diameter?
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Textbook Question
Summarize the steps involved in charging tRNAs with their appropriate amino acids.
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Textbook Question
What are isoaccepting tRNAs? Assuming that there are only 20 different aminoacyl tRNA synthetases but 31 different tRNAs, speculate on parameters that might be used to ensure that each charged tRNA has received the correct amino acid.
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Textbook Question
When a codon in an mRNA with the sequence 5'-UAA-3' enters the A site of a ribosome, it is not recognized by a tRNA with a complementary anticodon. Why not? What recognizes it instead?
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Textbook Question
Discuss the potential difficulties of designing a diet to alleviate the symptoms of phenylketonuria.
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